Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, if desired. Simmer mixture, covered for 2 hours. Stir every 20 minutes.

As the tomato mixture comes to the end of its cooking, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.

When cooked just to al dente, drain noodles and run under cold water to prevent any further cooking. Set aside.

Slightly beat the egg, then, combine with the ricotta cheese. Mix in the additional parsley.

Assemble lasagna by spreading 1/4 of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Arrange noodles, 4 to 6 down the length of the pan, followed by an even amount of the ricotta mixture, more of the sauce, and the mozzarella slices.

End with meat sauce topped with the Parmesan cheese.

Spray a large sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray, then, use it as a cover to the lasagna. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Remove foil, and continue to bake for an additional 20 minutes.

More Parmesan may be added.

John likes his No. 1 seasoning in his best lasagna. He’s included his No. 2 Italian seasoning, also, because he finds it to be a great seasoning in many other dishes.

John’s Italian seasoning No. 1

1 tablespoons dried basil

1 tablespoons dried oregano

1 tablespoons dried thyme

1 tablespoons dried marjoram

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon dried sage

Crush all spices with a mortar and pestle, in a spice grinder, or in a food processor. Once crushed, combine ingredients well in a food processor.

Store in tightly sealed plastic bag with a zip top.

John’s Italian Seasoning No. 2, the one with a kick

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon dried marjoram

1 tablespoon dried rosemary

1 tablespoon dried cilantro

1 tablespoon dried savory

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

Crush all spices with a mortar and pestle, in a spice grinder or in a food processor. Once crushed, combine all ingredients well in food processor.

Spray a large sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray, then, use it as a cover to the lasagna. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake an additional 12 to 15 minutes.